In 2014, you elected us to build Ontario up. Since then, the Ontario Liberal government has introduced programs and services to help Indigenous children and youth facing barriers get a better start in life.

We have responded to the high incidence of youth suicides and helped communities in crisis by establishing a dedicated Indigenous Youth and Wellness Secretariat to coordinate services. We have expanded culturally relevant child and family programs in 40 First Nation Communities and launched the First Nations Health Action Plan. Through Indigenous Institutes, we have given Indigenous peoples control over their postsecondary institutions and created new ways for Indigenous students to complete postsecondary education.

But we need to do more. Indigenous children and youth need better on-reserve and off-reserve supports to improve their well-being.

That’s why the Ontario Liberals are working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to strengthen health care, child care and education. Our plan:

Supports Indigenous children and youth wellness through coordinated services

Invests more than $80 million over four years to expand mental health care for Indigenous children and youth at risk

Provides $40 million over three years to support culturally relevant child care programs on-reserve and $290 million to double the number of child care spaces on reserve.

Provides $70 million over two years for off-reserve projects for Indigenous children and families

Improves access to health care, including primary care, mental health and addiction care and palliative care, through an investment of more than $220 million over three years